Dixie Chicks Launch North American Tour In Cincinnati

The Dixie Chicks kicked off their first U.S. tour in 10 years Wednesday night (June 1) in Cincinnati. The country trio performed to over 20,000 fans at the Riverbend Music Center as part of their DCX MMXVI Tour, which has the band playing over 50 cities in North America.

In November, the Dixie Chicks announced what would be their first tour in 10 years in the U.S. after they revealed several dates in Europe. Due to an overwhelming demand, they then added more dates in North America, taking the previously planned 40 dates to over 50 cities.

Natalie Maines had been teasing the idea of a stint on the road on social media last year. In July, she hinted that a tour was on the way when she responded to a Twitter follower who asked if she was ready to “play nice.”

“I’ll never make nice, but I will tour the states again,” the frontwoman said at the time.

Three non-profits were present at the venue in Cincinnati including Headcount, where volunteers helped to register attendees to vote, Planned Parenthood, and Proclaim Justice, which helps to share information and win freedom for inmates who are innocent of the crimes for which they were convicted.

Fans lined up eight hours before the show, which the band documented on Twitter.

While fans showed up early to the tour kickoff, according to Country Aircheck local radio media was not permitted. A representative of Riverbend Music Center sent a note to radio at noon the day of the show that read, "I was just informed that no radio stations will be allowed on site tonight for the Dixie Chicks inside or outside the venue. Please confirm receipt of this email. I apologize for the late notice."

Live Nation President of Artist Services Steve Herman further explained the decision to Country Aircheck.

"There was an overwhelming request from radio stations and other media to be on site to broadcast. We could not accommodate all of the requests so we made the decision to be neutral and all requests were turned down."

The band has not revealed if this will be the situation at further stops along the tour.